With more than 1 million developers worldwide, there's no doubt that web development and software engineering have become lucrative careers in recent years. But what if you don't want an office job or commute? What if instead you'd like to freelance your way across oceans and time zones while maintaining high-quality output for clients around the globe? The answer is yes -- with one caveat.
You must be able to produce quality results on demand. If not, then perhaps freelancing isn’t right for you… yet. But even so, many people will still find themselves wondering how they can start earning income through coding alone. Here we'll explore some options available to those seeking to break away from their desk jobs and into the world of professional coder/programmer employment.
A great place to begin exploring this option is by researching local communities where you could potentially land a client project. For example, try searching Craigslist for "coding" [http://www.craigslist.org] (or another relevant term) and see what comes up. You may also wish to search out forums such as Reddit, Stack Overflow, and Quora for advice.
Another option is to use specialized websites designed specifically for finding remote employees. Services such as Remote Year and Upwork allow anyone to sign up as either a contractor or full employee. It should be noted however that these sites require users to provide personal information including name, address, phone number, etc., which means that security concerns need to be taken seriously when using them.
There are other ways to go about finding projects and clients, but bear in mind that they won't necessarily guarantee success. In fact, most of us know someone who has tried repeatedly to build a career working remotely and ended up wasting countless hours chasing after possible opportunities only to end up back at their desks once again. This said, if you're willing to dedicate yourself fully to making a living via coding, then you might consider trying any method listed above.
The bottom line is that whether you decide to pursue a traditional freelance path or opt for something else entirely, you cannot simply expect to walk into an employer's door and immediately receive payment for your skills. To succeed in today's market, you must first prove your value before landing steady contracts. As long as you keep this mindset, you shouldn't ever feel stuck or desperate!
Perhaps you've had enough of corporate life and would rather take control over your own schedule and location choices. Or maybe you want to spend less time commuting and more time spending time with loved ones. Either way, becoming self employed doesn't mean giving up all hope of building a successful business. There are plenty of ways you can set up shop without leaving home.
For starters, let's look at two popular solutions that allow individuals to perform various tasks from the comfort of their homes: Fiverr and Amazon Mechanical Turk. These services essentially function as digital marketplaces where customers pay small amounts of cash for completed tasks ranging from writing reviews to transcribing audio recordings. Many people choose to turn these platforms into part-time businesses by opting to offer their services exclusively to paying members.
Fiverr allows you to create unique profiles, upload gig descriptions, and add photos and videos to showcase your talents. Clients can view your profile and ask questions regarding your skill sets. Once selected, gigs typically last between 5 minutes and several days depending on the nature of the task. Payments range from $5-$99 per completed piece.
Mechanical Turk offers similar functionality, though its selection process requires applicants to complete a test and pass certain screening criteria. On average, HITs usually involve completing simple data extraction tasks, image classification, and proofreading activities. Like Fiverr, payments vary based on the complexity of each given assignment. However, because this service is run by Amazon, it costs slightly more ($1 vs $0.50).
In addition to running your own website or blog, you can also sell products found online through eBay and Etsy. Some sellers also participate in affiliate marketing programs, offering commissions whenever they refer new buyers to their site. Finally, you can always join forces with others who share your passion and open up your own venture known as a microbusiness.
While none of these alternatives come close to replacing salary checks received at regular intervals, they certainly provide additional pathways towards financial independence. With a little bit of effort and perseverance, you too can carve out a niche for yourself within the growing field of remote workers.
Here's something every aspiring developer needs to hear. Googling for answers can actually help improve your productivity. Why? Because doing research via Google often provides insight into topics that aren't covered elsewhere. Plus, you can save valuable time since you won't have to waste hours sifting through endless pages of irrelevant articles.
However, Google searches can easily lead you astray when looking for specific details pertaining to technical concepts. Instead of relying solely upon Google Search, why not employ apps like Wolfram Alpha and Mathway Equation Editor to solve problems quickly? Both tools offer step-by-step guidance and instant feedback as you type queries. They also feature a wealth of reference materials related to math, science, statistics, and calculus.
Additionally, you could check out CoderRank, TopCoder, and CodeChef to discover current openings and employers. Other useful directories include Hacker News, GitHub Jobs, Indeed Hiring List, Glassdoor Job Openings, SimplyHired Developer Jobs, Dice Salary Calculator, and LinkedIn Recruitment Pages.
Once you locate potential positions, reach out directly to companies using email or contact forms provided on their respective websites. Be sure to mention your credentials and explain exactly what experience you currently possess. Don't forget to tailor each message to fit particular hiring managers' requirements.
Most importantly, never send generic emails asking for assistance. Remember, prospective employers are busy professionals who don't have time to chase down leads left and right. And chances are that they'll decline unless you demonstrate a genuine desire to learn more about their company and industry.
Finally, remember that there are many different types of programming jobs out there. A good rule of thumb is to focus primarily on developing expertise in a single area until you gain sufficient knowledge to tackle whatever problem arises next.
According to PayScale, the median annual base wage for experienced Java developers was roughly $95K in 2015. Meanwhile, entry level web developers earned approximately $55k annually. In comparison, front-end engineers pulled in $97k in 2015, followed closely by backend developers ($90k), database administrators ($88k), system analysts ($87k), senior network systems administrator ($86k), mobile application developers ($83k), and cloud computing architects ($81k).
Keep track of trends among top earners in your chosen profession. Then, strive to achieve salaries comparable to theirs. After all, it takes time to climb the ladder, especially if you lack natural talent. Fortunately, today's technology makes it easier than ever to advance professionally. All you need is a strong internet connection, reliable equipment, and creativity.
As far as hourly rates are concerned, the following figures represent typical wages for coders located in San Francisco according to ZipRecruiter: Mobile app developers ($65 -$100 / hour), iOS app developers ($75 -$110 / hour), Android app developers ($60 -$80 / hour), User interface designers ($70 -$85 / hour), Web Developers ($45 -$62 / hour), SEO Analysts ($40 -$50 / hour), and Data Scientists ($35 -$47 / hour).
Now that you understand everything mentioned above, hopefully you realize that being a coder is both challenging and rewarding. Furthermore, you now have numerous avenues to explore in order to better suit your needs. Best of luck!
What tips do you recommend for succeeding in the wonderful world of coding? Let us know in the comments below...
I've been working as a software developer for more than eight years now, but it wasn't always like this. When my first company went under in 2008 due to mismanagement, I found myself out of work with no real idea what to do next -- and not even enough experience to find another job. Fortunately, one thing led to another and eventually got me where I am today. But what about people without any previous professional coding experience or skills? Can they still earn money by online programming? If so, how? Let's take a look at some ways...
Absolutely! There are many different ways that anyone can earn extra cash online through their existing expertise (or lack thereof). The only question is whether you want to spend your time doing it yourself or if you'd rather have someone else handle all the technical aspects while you focus on other things.
The easiest method would be to create an app or website and sell it directly to users. This might sound daunting, especially if you don't know anything about web development, but there are plenty of great tools available which will help beginners learn quickly. One popular option is AppFolio, which lets you build websites and apps, test them against devices, then submit them to Apple iTunes and Google Play Store. You'll also need to pay $99/year per device ($19.95 per year) for hosting. Another similar service worth considering is Shopify [No Longer Available], except instead of iOS applications you're building sites that run off WordPress themes.
Another common path towards earning income via programming is freelance contract work. For example, if you're proficient in Python, Java, C++, HTML5, CSS3, Javascript, Ruby etc., you could offer these services to companies looking to hire developers. Freelancer.com is one of the largest networks around, connecting employers with freelancers with jobs ranging from simple data entry tasks to entire projects requiring complex back-ends. Be sure to check out our guide to making extra money using freelancing platforms such as Fiverr.
Finally, if you're keen to start something completely new, why not consider writing tutorials, guides, blogs posts, videos, etc.? These days we live in a world dominated by video content, meaning lots of potential customers eager to watch everything you produce. In addition, creating high quality educational material can lead to big business down the road. Consider selling eBooks, offering consulting services, starting up YouTube channels, publishing podcasts, and pretty much whatever else comes to mind. Of course, there are countless success stories of coders turning their passion into lucrative careers, so never underestimate your abilities!
Once you've decided to go ahead with learning to program online, you may wonder exactly what kind of opportunities exist out there. Here's a quick overview of some common forms of compensation.
Freelance Contract Work
This type of arrangement usually involves a client hiring a contractor to complete a specific task within a set timeframe. It works well when both parties understand each others' limitations and requirements before proceeding further. Often clients won't appreciate having to deal with contractors over email, Skype, telephone calls, etc., and will prefer dealing face to face whenever possible. As far as payment goes, most businesses simply expect hourly rates. However, since project durations vary wildly depending on factors such as scope creep, unexpected delays, missed deadlines, etc., be prepared to negotiate fees.
Sites Like Upwork And PeoplePerHour
These two marketplaces feature hundreds of categories covering every conceivable field. They connect buyers with sellers seeking remote workers, including programmers, designers, writers, translators, virtual assistants, editors, consultants, SEO experts, marketers, photographers, videographers, engineers, testers, customer support staff, product managers, animators, etc. To apply, head over to either site and browse current listings until you find something interesting. Once you sign up as a seller, you'll receive a dedicated profile page enabling you to keep track of bids received, communicate better, and stay organized throughout the process. Payments are made upon completion of contracts.
Earning From Side Projects
Although side projects aren't necessarily intended to generate direct revenue, they can be very rewarding nonetheless. Many successful entrepreneurs started out with small ideas and gradually expanded them into full blown startups. So long as you remain disciplined and persistent, you should succeed too.
There are several routes to follow: blog monetization, affiliate marketing, PPC advertising, reselling digital products, promoting others' creations, licensing intellectual property rights, etc. Basically, think of side projects as mini "side gigs" designed to improve certain areas of your life. By focusing solely on them during spare moments, you'll end up being able to devote more energy to your main endeavor(s), thus achieving greater results overall.
As mentioned above, earning extra cash from coding isn't easy. After all, finding employment is already difficult enough, and getting hired is often harder yet. That said, once employed, your salary doesn't determine whether or not you're happy with your career choice. What really matters is how much control you retain over your own destiny. Are you free to choose which projects you wish to pursue and which ones to ignore? Do you feel comfortable deciding when to accept overtime hours and when to say no? Or does your employer decide those details for you?
In short, choosing coding over other types of professions offers more freedom, flexibility, and options. On top of that, unlike doctors, lawyers, teachers, nurses, truck drivers, mechanics, accountants, salespeople, journalists, etc., programmers almost certainly possess unique talents and natural advantages that allow them to excel in various fields.
For instance, let's imagine a hypothetical scenario involving two employees. Employee A has excellent communication skills, enjoys talking to large groups, knows Microsoft Excel inside and out, understands basic statistics, speaks fluent English, keeps meticulous records, possesses strong analytical capabilities, and is familiar with multiple languages. Meanwhile, employee B loves numbers, prefers dealing with smaller teams, finds speaking engagements uncomfortable, is adept at solving problems, takes detailed notes, maintains impeccable attendance records, rarely misses deadlines, gets along easily with colleagues, and can speak four languages fluently. Which role would you pick? Most likely, A.
But that's not all. Programmers are typically creative individuals capable of handling their emotions and stress levels better than most. Consequently, they tend to perform better under pressure and in general enjoy higher motivation levels compared to non-coding professionals. Not convinced? Check out these fascinating facts about computer science graduates.
So yes, coding can definitely provide financial security, stability, independence, satisfaction, self esteem, fulfillment, pride, happiness, excitement, and joy. All true statements regardless of whether or not you ever plan to quit your day job. With discipline, determination, perseverance, and patience, almost everyone can achieve their goals, provided they're willing to put forth effort. Don't give up hope! Programming pays handsomely, and you deserve to reap its rewards!
To answer this question properly, we must address a few important points upfront. First, the amount of money earned depends largely on how skilled you actually are. Some people can charge thousands of dollars per hour whilst others struggle to reach minimum wage. Secondly, your ability to command premium prices varies across countries. Hence, the same person may earn significantly less abroad than she does in her home country. Third, how much money you make ultimately boils down to how hard you work, how smart you manage your finances, and how lucky you happen to be. Finally, remember to factor in taxes, insurance, medical bills, commuting expenses, etc.
That being said, the average annual income for American programmers is between $60k-$100k. Other estimates place the figure closer to $70k-$120k for European counterparts. Needless to say, these figures refer to salaried positions, i.e. permanent roles. Earning considerably more money becomes possible when you become an entrepreneur. According to PayScale.com, the median net profit margin for startup founders was $1 million per annum in 2013. Likewise, tech millionaires generally pull in six-figure salaries, although exceptions abound.
Of course, none of us possess infinite knowledge, talent, skill, luck, intelligence, drive, ambition, persistence, willpower, courage, confidence, charisma, charm, beauty, gracefulness, strength, stamina, health, youthfulness, wisdom, creativity, etc. Therefore, it shouldn't come as surprise that a handful of people stand above the crowd and rake in huge sums of money. Nevertheless, if you want to join these select few individuals, you'll probably have to overcome numerous challenges along the way. Good luck!
Do you currently rely on coding to supplement your regular paycheck? Is it something you'd consider pursuing professionally? Tell us below. We read all comments and questions carefully.
Are you tired of working for someone else but still want to be creative? Do you enjoy solving problems or creating new apps? If so, then maybe it's time to start your own business -- by becoming an independent coder! Programming jobs aren't easy to come across these days, but there are plenty of ways in which you could use your skills to earn some extra income.
In this article we'll take a look at whether people like you can actually make money in their spare time through programming, how they might go about doing it, and what kinds of opportunities exist out there right now.
We've all heard stories of entrepreneurs making millions overnight after building simple websites, mobile applications, etc., but if you're looking to become one such person yourself, firstly let us assure you that it isn't as easy as it sounds.
It takes years (or decades) of hard work before you can even begin thinking about earning any real amount of money from your programming abilities. The following sections will give you more insight into why this is true, including lists of potential job markets and businesses where you may find success.
What kind of programming language should you learn? How much does it cost to hire a developer? What types of tech companies need developers? Are freelancing sites good places to find clients? All valid questions you should consider when planning your career path.
The bottom line is that while there is definitely money to be made in programming, it won't happen overnight. You have to put in long hours over a longer period of time than most other careers. However, once you've got enough experience under your belt, those hours don't feel nearly as long anymore!
Read on to find out what kinds of things you can do to increase your chances of getting hired as a freelance web developer...
There are many different ways in which you can potentially turn your programming talents into cash, both full-time and part-time. Here is a brief overview of a few of them.
Freelance development - One option would be to offer your services as a remote software engineer, which means you'd only communicate via email instead of face-to-face meetings. This way you can spend more time developing and less time traveling.
Partnerships/consulting - Another popular approach is offering consulting services to existing organizations. For example, perhaps you know something about product management and marketing that others don't. In addition to being able to charge higher fees due to the exclusive knowledge you possess, you may also receive equity compensation based on performance.
Startup funding - It's possible to raise seed capital as well, especially if your idea has already been vetted by investors. To help prove its viability, you may also be asked to join forces with another programmer to form a company together.
Selling products - There are several ways in which you can sell digital goods using platforms like Etsy.com and Amazon. Some require little effort beyond setting up shop, while others involve shipping physical items around the world.
To see all the possibilities available to coders, check out our guide on starting your own website. It explains everything you need to understand to create a successful venture and generate passive revenue streams.
For further reading, read our post detailing how to build profitable side projects without charging customers anything.
Is there a limit to how much money you can make? Is it better to specialize in certain areas? Can nonprogrammers make money too? Keep reading to explore the answers to these important questions...
Yes and no. While there certainly are talented individuals capable of turning their programming skills into six figures per year, it doesn't mean everyone will end up reaching that point. And yes, you can reach that level as well, but not every single individual will.
As mentioned above, it generally takes years of dedication and discipline to really succeed financially as a professional coder. But luckily, there are plenty of tools designed specifically to help aspiring computer scientists along the way.
One effective resource is learning paths offered by top universities worldwide, which allow students to study specific courses for free. They usually consist of video lectures, quizzes, exercises, project assignments, and tests covering various topics in depth.
Another great tool is Udemy, which offers thousands of videos teaching hundreds of subjects ranging from Python basics to HTML5 animation. Most lessons cost between $20-$40 each, though some premium classes are priced higher.
Finally, since most employers tend to prefer candidates with degrees, you should seek formal education. Check out Coursera and edX for affordable options. Both provide massive open online course materials that you can access anywhere, anytime for absolutely zero dollars.
All of these programs typically last somewhere between 6 months and 1 year, meaning they can teach you valuable skills in short order. Afterward, you'll probably have to pay for books and relevant certificates, depending on your educational institution.
Keep in mind that there are lots of factors involved in determining exactly how much money you'll make during your career as a programmer. These include age, location, skill set, personality traits, attitude, industry, reputation, etc. As such, it's always worth taking a careful examination of your circumstances and goals before jumping straight in.
You can find tons more information related to earnings prospects in our latest ebook "Guide to Earning Money Online". Download it for free today!
Now that you've learned everything there is to know about the possibility of making money in programming, you should next think about how you plan to go about pursuing your dream. Below are two examples of what you may encounter when trying to land a programming gig.
Web Developer
This type of role is relatively common throughout North America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, India, China, Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, and Vietnam.
Most people employed in this capacity focus primarily on front-end technologies, although back-end engineers are sometimes needed as well. Typical responsibilities include maintaining server infrastructure, designing user interfaces, integrating third party APIs, managing database systems, troubleshooting network issues, automating processes, etc.
Fees vary greatly depending upon experience, geographic region, and client requirements. Generally speaking, rates range from $25-$100 per hour. Salaries depend largely on position title rather than actual duties performed. On average, hourly wages hover around $70, whereas salaries rarely exceed $90K annually.
Mobile App Developer
Onion skin cell layers called melanocytes produce pigment within specialized cells known as melanosomes. Melanin is responsible for converting sunlight into energy used by plants and animals to survive. A unique characteristic of humans is the ability to tan, allowing us to adapt to ultraviolet light exposure without burning.
Because of this evolutionary adaptation, modern technology often uses pigments similar to melanin in order to display images on screens and electronic devices. Examples include LCDs, LEDs, OLEDs, plasma displays, and CRTs. Such components absorb incoming rays of visible light and slowly release photons to viewers' eyes.
But what happens when these pixels burn out or malfunction? Or when the screen gets dirty? That's where app developers step in. Their primary responsibility involves writing code that makes sure everything works properly and efficiently.
They must also ensure smooth interactions among multiple parts of the system, which requires extensive knowledge of algorithms, data structures, object orientation, networking protocols, security practices, UI design principles, etc.
When it comes to salary expectations, positions specializing in iOS and Android application development have the highest median annual incomes ($84K), followed closely by Web Development ($81K). Software Engineering ($69K) ranks lowest [PDF].
These numbers represent averages across the entire United States, however. Income levels vary widely according to geography and personal preferences. Overall, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics expects demand for software developers to grow 23 percent faster than the national average between 2014 and 2024.
Although the exact number depends heavily on regional conditions, typical yearly salaries for experienced professionals fall roughly between $60K and $130K. High school graduates with limited training command lower rates (typically $40K annually) while college grads with 2+ years of experience can expect upwards of $150K.
Interested in knowing more about how to break into the field? Take a closer look at these four fantastic blogs written by current developers. Each entry includes tips, tricks, techniques, advice, and inspiration to help newcomers improve their craft.
Looking for more guidance? Consider attending DevCon3, DevLearn, Pycon, QCon, OSCON, StrangeLoop, CppCon, or other conferences dedicated exclusively to technical fields. Many of them feature expert speakers eager to talk about what it takes to develop software professionally.
After attending, you should try contacting local employers directly. Send emails explaining your background, interests, expertise, and accomplishments. Ask them how you fit the position description and explain how you intend to contribute. Don't forget to ask about salary expectations either.
Good luck! We hope you enjoyed this exploration of ways you can make money with your programming talents. Now it's time to figure out what the heck you want to do. Start by checking out these 8 websites to find fulfilling IT and programming gigs near you. Then browse our roundup of the best tech podcasts for geeks, nerds, and hackers.
Just follow our battle-tested guidelines and rake in the profits.